What Are the Best RV Transport Companies to Work For?
The way we travel is changing. Lockdowns and the effects of the pandemic have bumped up demand for RVs and travel trailers. RVs allow you to travel without the need to stay at hotels or deal with crowds.
With more people buying and traveling with RVs, demand for RV mover jobs has increased significantly. But how much do these drivers make? What are the benefits of hauling RVs? Which companies can you drive for?
Here’s what you need to know about transporting RVs as a driver.
How Much Do RV Transporters Make?
If you’re interested in transporting RVs, you’re probably wondering how much you can earn. The answer really depends on your location and your experience level.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average RV transport driver salary is:
- $42,355/year
- $20/hour
The top 2% of drivers in this career earn $72,000-$77,000. Location plays a significant role in how much you’ll make as an RV transport driver.
Some of the highest paying locations include:
- Berkeley. CA
- San Mateo, CA
- Daly City, CA
- Odessa, TX
- Stamford, CT
- Bellevue, WA
It’s important to remember that the salaries listed above are just the average. Many RV haulers make more than the average.
The Benefits of Hauling RVs
Salaries for RV hauling aren’t lucrative compared to other trucking sectors. However, there are still many drivers out there that do this either full-time or as a side gig. Why? Because there are quite a few benefits to transporting RVs.
You Don’t Necessarily Need a CDL A
Depending on the employer and how the RV is being transported, you may not need a CDL A. In some cases, you only need a regular driver’s license.
- If you’re transporting RVs via a flatbed, you’ll need a Class A CDL.
- If you’re transporting RVs through a Drive-Away division, you may only need a Class B CDL.
- For tow-away RV transport, you may only need a regular driver’s license. However, most employers strongly encourage these drivers to get their CDL.
That being said, RV transport is relatively easy to break into and may be a great way to see whether you want to pursue a trucking career. If you already own a truck with a high towing capacity and have a clean driving record, then you can get started in this career relatively quickly.
A Great Way to Travel
RV transport is a great way to travel on someone else’s dime. Many companies serve the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Jobs can take you to small places off the beaten path, all while getting paid and doing something you enjoy.
If you’re looking for an easy way to travel and explore places you never imagined traveling to, then RV transport may be an excellent option for you.
Work Independently
Many RV transport drivers work as independent contractors or owner-operators. When you work as a contractor or owner-operator, you are your own boss. That also means that you’re in charge of maintenance, repairs and other expenses associated with your transport business. But generally, you have control over your schedule and the jobs you take.
Many drivers enjoy the freedom and independence of owning their own business while traveling the country. And there’s no limit to how much you can earn if you’re willing to put in the work.
You Can Haul Multiple Trailers at Once
Some drivers use gooseneck flatbeds to haul multiple travel trailers at once. Being able to haul 2 or 3 trailers at a time can greatly increase your profit margin and make RV transport a more lucrative career choice.
Not every transporter will be able to manage this approach, but it’s a way to make RV transporting more profitable. If you hope to do this full-time, it may be something you want to consider.
High Demand
RV transporters are in high demand right now, and that’s because RVs in general are in high demand. People are enjoying the freedom and ease of being able to get up and go without having to deal with hotels and everything else that goes with a typical vacation.
Demand for RV transporters will likely remain high for the foreseeable future. With no shortage of miles available, transporters can enjoy job security.
Top 6 Companies for a Career in RV Transport
1. Classic Transport Inc.
Classic Transport works with over 600 drivers that help them deliver RVs and utility trucks in Canada and the United States. Drivers benefit from being able to choose a program that works best for their needs, including:
- Driveaway
- Towaway
When hauling for Classic Transport, you must be able to pass a background check, NIDA drug screen, DOT physical and provide a valid driver’s license and copy of your social security card.
Little salary information is available on Classic Transport’s website, but data on Glassdoor lists the following information:
- $52,000 – $57,000 for OTR truck drivers
- $76,000 – $81,000 for transport drivers
We have had 2 driver surveys verified with Indeed.com and they have the average salary at just $42,671.
Drivers can choose to work seasonally, allowing you to haul RVs during the busy season and leverage other opportunities if work dries up.
2. Horizon Transport
Horizon Transport is one of the leaders in the RV transport industry. The company is located in Wakarusa, Indiana – the heart of the RV industry. The company’s quick growth has led them to offer a variety of positions for drivers to fill, including:
- Drive-away
- Flatbed
- Tow-away
Since 1984, the hauler has grown from a small operation to over 1,500 independent contractors across all divisions. Drivers will have delivery options in Canada and the 48 contiguous states. Pay varies by the type of hauling you’ll be doing, including:
- Drive-away offering between $0.90 and $1.10 per mile
- Flatbed offering between $2.30 and $2.80 per mile
- Drive-away offering between $1.20 and $1.80 per mile
Horizon is a great company to haul for, with the ability to save on fuel, reload quickly and earn a lot of money in the process. You’ll also receive a small bump in pay if you hold a valid CDL license.
3. uShip
Shippers have the opportunity to work with uShip to pick up loads, but the company doesn’t provide firm pay rates on their website. Instead, you can join the network of providers and gain access to a steady lead of loads.
The company’s major strength is that they offer easy management and app tools to get started.
While sparse information is available, you’ll find that the top carriers earn $60,000 a year, and the top 10% earn over $41,500 annually hauling for uShip.
4. Bennett RV Transport
Bennett wants to help drivers, just like you, land their first RV transport jobs. You’ll join a family of drivers, and there are opportunities nationwide to help you maximize your earnings. You’ll benefit from fast pay, no forced dispatch and:
- Maintenance discounts
- Fuel discounts
- Tire discounts
You must have your Class A, B or C license to haul with Bennett RV transport. One of the main perks of working with Bennett is paying their drivers significantly more than the national average.
Drivers that submitted their pay information to Indeed.com state that they earn $7,900 a month on average hauling for Bennett RV.
Bennett is a company that drivers choose for the long-term. You’ll receive great benefits, you never have to deal with forced dispatch, and drivers praise the work atmosphere, too.
Performance and safety incentive rewards are open to drivers, and there are voluntary health programs that you can join, too.
5. Synergy RV
Synergy is in Goshen, Indiana, close to RV manufacturing, which allows the company to offer great loads to drivers. New drivers can be matched with runs that are tailored to their needs, and there’s even a driver load board available.
Load boards allow drivers to claim loads before they’re available to a wider range of drivers.
Drivers also gain access to discounts at hotels across the nation to help them keep their expenses down when hauling for Synergy RV. Recent driver reviews mention:
- Freedom of scheduling to make money on your own terms
- Fast pay
- Good work atmosphere
Little pay information is available, but one review on Glassdoor states that the driver earns $1,574 a week. Since drivers make their own schedule, you can make more than this if you don’t mind being on the road more often.
6. Heavy Haulers
Heavy Haulers, which is a division of Nationwide Transport Services, serves all of the U.S. They provide a number of RV shipping services, including:
- Drive-away
- Flatbed
- Tow-away
The company’s drivers can safely haul just about any type of RV, including:
- Class A, B and C motorhomes and RVs
- Campers
- Towable RVs
- Expandable RV trailers
- Travel trailers
- Fifth wheel trailers
- Toy RVs
Licensed, bonded and insured, Heavy Haulers has a reputation for being one of the best in the business.
RV transport jobs are in high demand. If you want to enter a career that offers steady loads, excellent pay and a variety of driving opportunities, RV transportation is a good choice. The companies above offer some of the best pay and benefits in the industry.
